Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight at UFC 318 was long in the making. The buildup began with Poirier’s emotional retirement announcement during the 2025 NFL Draft, where he revealed his final fight would take place in his home state of Louisiana, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Initially, Poirier had pushed for a rubber match against Justin Gaethje, but after Gaethje expressed concerns over their shared wear-and-tear, the promotion pivoted to a match with Max Holloway, a poetic rival with unfinished history..
"I'm Chasing Dreams Still" Dustin Poirier's Emotional Farewell at UFC 318 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight at UFC 318 was long in the making. The buildup began with Poirier’s emotional retirement announcement during the 2025 NFL Draft, where he revealed his final fight would take place in his home state of Louisiana, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He also revealed he will try to pull out all the stops and secure fellow Louisiana icon Lil Wayne to walk Poirier to the Octagon.
Initially, Poirier had pushed for a rubber match against Justin Gaethje, but after Gaethje expressed concerns over their shared wear-and-tear, the promotion pivoted to a match with Max Holloway, a poetic rival with unfinished history..
One of the most storied careers in MMA history came to a close at UFC 318 in New Orleans, as Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier fought his final battle against longtime rival Max Holloway in a thrilling five-round war for the BMF Belt.
Though Poirier fell short via unanimous decision, the fight was a fitting send-off for a fighter who defined heart, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout his career.
The event, held in Poirier’s home state of Louisiana, was a celebration of his legacy, complete with emotional tributes and a raucous crowd cheering on their hometown hero. The card was built as a tribute to Poirier, featuring a highlight reel of his greatest moments and an outpouring of respect from peers and fans alike.
After the decision was read, Holloway graciously stepped aside, allowing Poirier to soak in the moment with an emotional farewell speech.
In his post-fight interview, he reflected on his journey, saying, "I feel appreciated, I feel seen. I didn’t know I touched as many people as I did just by chasing my dreams... I'm chasing dreams still."
The trilogy bout was a back-and-forth classic, with Holloway dropping Poirier early in the first round before "The Diamond" roared back in the second, stunning Holloway and trying to submit Holloway with his signature guillotine choke, though he couldn’t secure the finish.
The fight saw both men trade heavy shots, with Holloway’s volume and precision ultimately swaying the judges. The fifth round ended in a wild exchange, a fitting finale for Poirier, who left everything in the Octagon one last time.
Though Holloway spoiled the retirement party, the mutual respect between the two was undeniable. "Blessed," demanded they cheer louder for Poirier during the in-Octagon interviews.
Poirier’s retirement marks the end of an era. A former interim UFC lightweight champion, he amassed a 30-9-1 record, with legendary wins over Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Holloway in their first two meetings.
With Poirier’s fighting career coming to a close, his legacy is secure. Dustin Poirier will always be a fan favorite and a man who fought with passion until the very end. The Octagon won’t be the same without him, but his impact will resonate for years to come. After all, diamonds are forever.
Related: Dustin Poirier Top 10 UFC Fights Before "The Diamond" Retires at UFC 318
Related: Lil Wayne Will Walk Out With Legendary Fighter for UFC 318 Sendoff
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
